Karikatuur van Gilbert du Motier, markies de la Fayette, tijdens een nachtmerrie 1832

This caricature of Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, was made by Honoré Daumier using lithography, a printmaking technique that relies on the chemical repulsion of oil and water. Daumier drew on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then applied ink which adhered only to the drawn areas. This process allowed for the creation of multiple impressions, making art more accessible, and facilitating the spread of political satire like this image. The inherent qualities of lithography—its ability to capture fine lines and subtle tonal gradations—enable Daumier to create a dreamlike atmosphere, yet the precision of the lines also conveys sharp social commentary. The technique democratized image-making, aligning with the revolutionary spirit Lafayette embodied. Daumier used printmaking not just to create an image, but to engage in a wider social discourse, using his craft as a tool for political expression. In this context, Daumier blurs the boundary between craftsmanship and fine art.